Thailand Blog

There are plenty of romantic getaways in Thailand, but one that stands out is Koh Yao Noi in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. This island has managed to stay surprisingly undeveloped considering its closeness to Phuket and Krabi. From golden beaches on the east coast overlooking the breathtaking sea filled with limestone cliffs to a west coast lined with mangroves and rice paddies, this could be your next dream destination.

My wife watching the rising sun.

With east-facing beaches, you can enjoy beautiful sunrises before eating that romantic breakfast. Changes in the tide will affect the conditions in the shallow waters: At low tide, swimming is hardly possible, but chasing crabs will amuse the kids: At high tide, twice a day, the sea is lovely with turquoise waters.

The majority of the 4,000 inhabitants are Muslims which can explain the more peaceful development. Being a Muslim community, you should avoid drinking alcohol outside the resorts and tourist-oriented restaurants.

A tropical paradise in the middle of Phang Nga Bay.

Where to stay at Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi boasts some exclusive resorts with Six Senses Yao Noi as the most luxury; so luxury that the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo once choose to spend his vacation here.

But since we don’t play in the same league, we choose to stay at Paradise Koh Yao located in the most remote area possible — literally inside the jungle on the islands northern tip with a private beach. It’s so remote you might get bored after two days. However, the resort boasts their own pier offering boat rides to the village. But I won’t be surprised if you don’t want to leave this place!

Things to do on Koh Yao Noi

Except just enjoying the tranquility of beautiful nature things to do include kayaking, rock climbing, trail biking, and trying out different restaurants such as the lovely Rice Paddy Viewpoint Restaurant.

Koh Yao Noi is the smaller island of the two Koh Yao islands with Koh Yao Yai as the bigger (Noi means small and Yai means big). The islands are easily reachable from both Bang Rong Pier in Phuket and Ao Thalane Pier in Krabi and are best visited from December to April.